In this episode of Biz Pulse SA, we tackle a seismic shift in South Africa's economic landscape as new U.S. tariffs—up to 30%—threaten the country’s trade surplus and ripple across vital sectors like automotive, metals, and agriculture. Host David unpacks the multifaceted impact on jobs, public revenue, and inflation, spotlighting the rand’s volatility and its effect on debt servicing. We also examine the looming loss of AGOA benefits and explore strategic responses: from trade diplomacy to domestic resilience. Whether you're in finance, policy, or just passionate about South Africa’s future, this episode provides sharp insights into navigating global headwinds.
In this episode of Biz Pulse SA, we unpack Karooooo Limited’s latest quarterly results and explore what’s fueling its impressive performance. From Cartrack’s SaaS-driven growth to the company’s bold expansion into Southeast Asia, we spotlight the strategic moves shaping its global footprint.
Founder and CEO Zak Calisto remains at the helm as the company reports strong profitability, a healthy balance sheet, and boosted dividends—signaling a firm commitment to shareholder value. We also examine future opportunities and risks that could impact Karooooo’s trajectory in a fast-evolving mobility tech market.
🔍 Tune in for grounded insights into the numbers, strategy, and vision behind one of South Africa's standout global players.
Since its launch in 2021, Bash, The Foschini Group’s online platform, has defied expectations—achieving early profitability and cementing its place as a major force in South African retail. With over 1 million monthly active app users, Bash’s success hinges on its seamless omnichannel model, integrating online convenience with the physical footprint of TFG stores.
But its dominance doesn’t stop there. Bash outmaneuvered international rivals like Shein and Amazon, strategically acquiring Zando’s domain and adapting to regulatory shifts that impacted global competitors. This discussion unpacks how Bash became a retail powerhouse, leveraging smart strategy, a diverse product range, and an intuitive user experience to redefine online fashion in South Africa.
In this episode, we unpack SPAR Group’s bold strategic reset—a move that has seen the retailer shed its underperforming European operations in pursuit of a stronger foothold in Southern Africa. With a staggering R4 billion interim loss tied to impairments and exit costs, SPAR is betting big on its core market.
We explore the fallout from its problematic SAP ERP rollout, the pressures of South Africa’s tough retail landscape, and how the company plans to navigate weak consumer spending and fierce competition. Most importantly, we dissect SPAR’s ambitious five-pillar recovery strategy, including debt restructuring, private label growth, and digital transformation—key factors that could redefine its future.
Is this the reset SPAR needs, or a gamble too big to recover from? Tune in to find out.
A potential R1 billion bailout for ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) is being debated, impacting numerous facets of South African life. Job security is the most pressing concern, with potential losses numbering 100,000. The bailout aims to prevent this, bolstering economic stability in a crucial sector. However, concerns exist regarding government intervention and long-term solutions for AMSA's viability. The situation has social implications, affecting communities dependent on AMSA's operations and necessitates international cooperation for a resolution.
Microsoft has pledged to train one million South Africans in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity by 2026. This ambitious initiative aims to address critical skills gaps, boost economic growth, and reduce unemployment, particularly amongst young people. The programme will involve online training, industry partnerships, and recognised certifications, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. Success hinges on overcoming challenges such as ensuring reliable internet access and maintaining high completion rates. Ultimately, the project seeks to significantly improve South Africa's digital capabilities and economic prospects.
South Africa's new Expropriation Act, replacing a 1975 law, allows the government to seize land for public use, potentially without compensation. This has caused a national debate, with the ruling ANC supporting it as a means to redress historical injustices, while opposition parties and business groups fear it will damage property rights and investor confidence. The law's implementation will be key, as its success hinges on balancing the need for land reform with maintaining economic stability. International observers are closely watching its effects on investment and trade. Legal challenges are anticipated.
South African insurtech startup Naked secured R700 million in Series B funding, a significant milestone for the country's fintech sector. This investment, led by the IFC and Yellowwoods, will fuel Naked's expansion, technological advancements, and product diversification. The funding highlights growing international interest in African tech and Naked's innovative, customer-centric approach to insurance. This success story showcases the potential for disruption in traditional industries and the increasing viability of African startups on the global stage. Naked's unique model, combining technology with social responsibility, positions it for continued growth and potential global impact.
We discuss the troubled partnership between PetroSA, owner of the Mossel Bay Gas-to-Liquids refinery in South Africa, and Gazprombank Africa, a subsidiary of the sanctioned Russian bank. PetroSA's selection of Gazprombank following a controversial bidding process, where many competitors were disqualified, led to delays in promised funding for the refinery's revival. Subsequent sanctions imposed on Gazprombank Africa further complicated matters, jeopardizing the project and highlighting concerns about transparency and governance. The situation underscores the risks of international collaborations, especially in the energy sector, and the importance of robust due diligence. Ultimately, the partnership's failure threatens the refinery's future and South Africa's energy security ambitions.
Eskom, South Africa's energy provider, has implemented stricter regulations for grid-connected rooftop solar systems, mandating registration, smart meters, and the Homeflex tariff. These measures, intended to ensure safety and grid stability, impose substantial costs on homeowners, potentially hindering renewable energy adoption, particularly amongst lower-income households. Simultaneously, solar panel theft is increasing, adding further challenges for homeowners. The regulations have sparked public debate regarding the balance between grid security and affordability, raising concerns about equitable access to renewable energy solutions.
South Africa's SPAR Group, burdened by ZAR 9 billion in debt accumulated through acquisitions, rising operational costs, and economic slowdown, is selling key assets including its head office and parts of its fleet to reduce its debt. This strategy prioritises core business operations and aims to improve financial stability. The sale-and-leaseback approach for some assets allows continued use while freeing up capital. The company's actions offer lessons for other businesses on managing debt, assessing asset performance, and communicating transparently with stakeholders. SPAR hopes these changes will lead to long-term growth and success.
Astron Energy, following Glencore's 2018 acquisition of Chevron's Southern African assets, is undertaking a large-scale rebranding of over 850 Caltex petrol stations across South Africa. This multi-billion rand project, involving a partnership with FreshStop convenience stores, aims to establish Astron Energy as a leading independent brand, replacing the long-standing Caltex identity. The rebranding faces risks such as customer retention and competition, but offers potential rewards including improved market positioning and enhanced customer loyalty. Success hinges on clear communication, maintained quality, robust marketing, and a focus on customer experience.
This podcast examines the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for South Africa, focusing on its potential to revolutionise healthcare, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Alongside this transformative potential, the piece highlights crucial ethical and regulatory considerations, such as bias, data privacy, and job displacement. We explore strategies for South Africa to capitalise on AI's benefits, including implementing a pro-growth AI policy, expanding digital infrastructure, and promoting skill development. Ultimately, embracing AI offers South Africa significant opportunities for economic growth, improved governance, and enhanced national security.
The US ban on TikTok, driven by national security concerns and data privacy anxieties, is analysed for its global impact. The ban exemplifies growing technological decoupling between the US and China, creating uncertainty for investors and impacting content creators. For South Africa, the implications include potential opportunities for local tech firms, but also necessitate strengthening data protection laws and navigating complex geopolitical relationships. The article suggests South Africa should foster innovation, improve its regulatory framework, diversify digital investments, and enhance digital literacy to thrive in this changing environment.
This episode analyses the competitive struggle between Checkers and SPAR in South Africa's grocery retail sector. Checkers Sixty60's rapid success with its on-demand delivery service significantly impacted SPAR's market share, forcing SPAR to launch its own competing service, Spar2U. However, Spar2U has struggled to match Sixty60's scale and brand recognition, highlighting SPAR's challenges in adapting to the changing market, including operational complexities and strategic missteps. The article explores SPAR's efforts to improve, including enhancing core offerings and expanding Spar2U, while also considering the broader implications of e-commerce growth in the South African retail landscape.
PPC and Sinoma, a Chinese cement engineering firm, are partnering to build a R3 billion cement plant in the Western Cape. This collaboration signifies strengthened South Africa-China economic ties and will utilise cutting-edge, sustainable technology. The project is expected to significantly increase cement production capacity, create numerous jobs, and boost the South African economy. However, successful implementation requires navigating regulatory hurdles and meeting environmental standards. The plant represents a major investment in South Africa's infrastructure and future economic growth.
Amazon has opened a walk-in centre in Cape Town to support South African entrepreneurs selling on its marketplace. This initiative offers in-person registration, training, product assistance, and logistics guidance, aiming to bridge the gap between local sellers and Amazon's vast customer base. The centre addresses challenges faced by small businesses in navigating e-commerce, offering accessible support and localisation strategies. This investment is part of Amazon's broader commitment to fostering economic growth and technological innovation in South Africa. The centre's success hinges on overcoming obstacles like internet access and digital literacy limitations among small businesses.
Time Out magazine has named Cape Town the world's best city for 2025, surpassing major global cities. This accolade is based on a worldwide survey assessing cultural offerings, quality of life, and affordability. The award is expected to significantly boost Cape Town's tourism and investment, driving economic growth and job creation. However, the city also faces challenges such as infrastructure improvements and addressing socio-economic disparities to maintain its elevated status. Ultimately, this recognition positions Cape Town as a leading global destination and a model for sustainable development.
Reinet Investments, the investment vehicle of South African billionaire Johann Rupert, has completely sold its stake in British American Tobacco (BAT) for £1.22 billion. This marks the end of the Rupert family's long association with the tobacco industry and represents a strategic shift towards more sustainable investments. The sale reflects growing regulatory pressures and ethical concerns surrounding tobacco, allowing Reinet to diversify into sectors like luxury goods, healthcare, and technology. Reinet's share price increased following the announcement, while BAT's share price decreased, illustrating market reaction to the news. This significant divestment signifies a new era for the Rupert family's investment strategy.
South Africa's Competition Commission mandates that all retailers display fresh produce prices per 100 grams, alongside the total price, to improve price transparency. This aims to empower consumers with easier price comparisons, encouraging fairer competition and promoting financial literacy. Retailers must adapt their pricing systems within twelve months. While implementation challenges exist, including costs for retailers and consumer adjustment, the initiative mirrors successful global models and promises long-term benefits for both consumers and the market. The change is expected to lead to better value for consumers and increased competition amongst retailers.